Emmanuel D. Simunek, 95, of DeKalb, IL. died December 13, 2025 at his home.

He was born on January 21, 1930 in Chadron, NE.  He was the son of William and Sophia (Degner) Simunek.

He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the US Air Force from 1951-1955.

Emmanuel was a talented musician and piano player and enjoyed ballroom dancing.  He was a member of St. Mary's Church in DeKalb and the Knights of Columbus in South Dakota.

He was a farmer in Volga, SD and came to Illinois in 1963, where he worked at various factories- Essex Wire, Ideal Industries and General Electric.  He retired from the building service department at Northern Illinois University, after 10 years of service.

Survivors include his three nephews, James (Jennie) Simunek, Thomas (Micki) Simunek and Paul (Robin) Simunek; one niece, Kathy (Scott) Atkinson; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, William Simunek (and his wife Mary) and Jerome Simunek.

His visitation will be on Friday, December 19th from 10:00-11:00 AM at the St. Mary Church, 329 Pine St., DeKalb, IL.  His funeral mass will begin at 11:00 AM.

Burial will be at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in DeKalb.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Barb City Manor, 680 Haish Blvd., DeKalb, IL. 60115 http://www.BarbCityManor.org

To sign the online guest book, go to http://www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com